We have to admit it – only a fewer things are sexier than when an average-looking actor beefs up for a movie role. Such is the case with Jake Gyllenhaal, who managed to gain almost 30 pounds in six months while preparing for his role in the movie “Southpaw.”
Said Claybon: “He wasn’t in any shape at all. We met at a boxing gym, and he was jumping rope. Just the way he was jumping rope, I knew we had a lot of work to do. Everything we did in training was as if he was having a professional boxing match.”
Before you think Gyllenhaal’s trainer was too strict, remember that “Southpaw” follows Billy Hope, a retired boxing champion who steps into the ring once more in order to get his life back on track.
Claybon continued: “The most important thing we worked with Jake on was his defense, because if a fighter has good defense then he can protect himself. We were working out three hours in the a.m., three hours in the p.m., six hours total a day, seven days a week.”
The most interesting bit about this story happened when Gyllenhaal actually stepped into the ring for the first time. “Once we got out there, after the first take, I couldn’t get him back to the dressing room!” Claybon added.
“Jake really built up his confidence with this movie,” Claybon said. “He wouldn’t allow his stunt double to do anything. He did everything. His stunt double never worked.” It’s quite an inspiring story, and you’ll be able to see its final product when “Southpaw” hits the theaters on July 24.
